Community pharmacy teams in England were eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 test on the government website from today (April 24), but within hours applications closed temporarily.

As of yesterday (April 23) employers of essential workers are able to book an appointment on behalf of staff members who are eligible for the test. A self-referral service website through which such workers can schedule a test themselves launched today.

However, many people trying to access the site to book a test have been having difficulties as the site has already closed for applications – just hours after opening for registration.

In a tweet earlier today, the DH said there had been “significant demand for booking tests today”. It added that it “apologises for any inconvenience” and is “continuing to rapidly increase availability” and that “more tests will be available tomorrow.”

There has been significant demand for booking tests today.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

We are continuing to rapidly increase availability. More tests will be available tomorrow.

People who test negative for the virus will then be reassured that they are safe to return to work if they feel well enough to do so, the DH said in a statement published earlier this week (April 23)

Drive-through sites

Essential workers can use the “new portal” on the government website to enter their details and will receive “a text or email the same day”, inviting them to either book a drive-through testing appointment or receive a home testing kit, the announcement said.

The availability of home testing kits will “initially be limited”, but more will be made available “soon”, according to the announcement, although no timeframe has been specified.

There are currently more than 30 drive-through testing sites across England, with the aim that people will not have to drive more than 45 minutes to get to a site, the DH said.

As well as this, a “network of new mobile testing units is being rapidly established”, the DH said.

“Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48 hours, and within 72 hours of collection of the home delivery tests,” it added.

Lucky Ex-Locum, Superintendent Pharmacist

Posted on Sun, 26/04/2020 - 10:56

I wonder how many of those people requesting tests are actually showing symptoms? Very few I would suggest unless we are on the verge of a total implosion of the essential worker sector. I reckon a LOT of people just want reassurance that they don't have it or are an invisible carrier, in which case, yes, I would also like a test please.